Thursday, August 20, 2009

A few years ago, I explored types of incense other than incense sticks and cones. I wanted the loose kind. The kind used in cathedrals. The kind that's spooned onto a charcoal disc that looks like an Oreo cookie. I ordered a bunch of sample packets online - Frankincense, dragon's blood, and even something called cathedral blend. Filled the house with oily milky yellow-white smoke. Sickly sweet, and great.

Then I saw online that Samhain incense was a variety that was actually sold and knew I had to own it. I didn't want to wait to have it delivered so I decided to go for a drive to a small town of shops that I thought might carry it. It was a good distance so I made a day of it. When I got there, I looked around a tiny shop called Mystickal Tymes, loaded with statues and books and incense and candles. I saw containers of the cool loose incense behind the counter and figured I'd ask the guy working the store if he happened to have any Samhain incense available. I even pronounced it the proper "Sow-in" way - figured I'd let him know I was respectful of his trade and lifestyle (he was in a black leather cloak and had thin pruned so-black-they-were-purple eyebrows).

Me: "Do you have any Samhain incense?"Him: "Why would I? It's not Samhain. It's not even September! I swear...you people..."Me: "But I..."Him: "Would you ask for a Christmas tree in July?"Me: "Well, no..."Him: "Then why would I have Samhain incense made NOW?"Me: "Oh. Sorry."Him: [Silence]

20
comments:

You should have immediately asked him for a Spell Book to banish negative people. Around here, Copal incense is burned during the Day of the Dead celebrations, yet I can still find it year round. It's also burned on the little oreo charcoal things.

People like that should not work with the public. He could have nicely explained that he doesn't carry it all year, only in Sept and Oct. If I want a Christmas tree in July I bet someone who wants to take my money would sell me one.

I just checked and you can get Samhain incense $1 for 2.5 grams online, and there a tons of websites that will sell me a Christmas tree today.

Hobby Lobby has had Christmas trees and ornaments on display since the beginning of August. And I'm not talking about in an obscure aisle in the back of the store - they are front and center in the little atrium you pass through that holds the carts!

This guy either took his job way too seriously or he's as phony as a $3 bill.